MG Motor UK MG3 (2013 -) Review

The Chinese owned car manufacturer has finally broadened its range with the MG Motor UK MG3 supermini.

With prices starting from £8,399, the new car is not the cheapest in the sector, but decent levels of standard equipment puts it nose to nose with equivalent Dacia Sanderos and Chevrolet Sparks.

The MG3, which is assembled at Longbridge in Birmingham alongside the MG6 range, is only offered as a five-door hatchback. That all results in a cabin that is one of the most spacious in the class, especially when measuring rear seat room and bootspace.

MG is promoting the car’s ease of driving, pushing its suitability as an urban runabout with its compact dimensions and easy parking ability.

Distinctive styling

The new car carries forward many of the styling cues first illustrated on the MG Zero concept car and certainly looks the part. LED daytime running lights, wrap around windscreen and squat stance ensures it stands out in a crowd.

Not as much as the array of personalisation options does though, the MG3 available with ten different bodycolours, 13 different graphics packages, four different mirror caps, six different alloy wheel finishes and six interior combinations. Some are more dubious than others, but the British flag emblem and RAF style octagon are nice touches.

Standard kit

Depending on the model choice, exterior highlights include 16” Diamond cut alloy wheels, LED lights, sport-design bumper, side sill extensions, rear spoiler , sports-design rear valance, chrome exhaust finishers and MG insert headlamps.

Inside the MG3, key features are Bluetooth with audio streaming, DAB radio, USB/Aux input, automatic lights, automatic wipers, rear parking sensors and part-leather trim.

The entry model MG3 3TIME features a CD player, signature front LED lights, electronic hill hold, MP3 compatibility and Aux-in facility in addition to all the standard features on all MG3s.

1.5-litre engine

Power comes from a 1.5-litre 105bhp 16-valve petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox which is worthy if not exciting. Torque arrives late on in the proceedings and you’ll find yourself working the engine very hard, though there’s no aural reward for doing so.

To find out more read the rest of our full MG Motor UK MG3 review.